Scoping out Moscow

I spent the morning working on an itinerary for President Uchtdorf's visit. There are a few important historical sights that they want to see to get a better feel for Russian culture--both of the people in general, as well as important historical sights for the Church. Thanks to google maps, I was able to put together instructions to each sight from the hotel. Though I have been to most of the sights, I now have two new areas of interest to add to my list of things to see. And it is helping me prepare for my mom's visit to Russia! I am so excited to have her come and see Moscow! I was able to talk to her for a minute on the phone a couple of days ago—so great!

Yesterday, Dima and I visited Red Square, GUM (a huge shopping plaza off of Red Square), and the Tretyakov Gallery. I kept making mental notes of things to show my mom, which excursions we should take, and how to fit everything in to the short time she will be here. Even though I will have been to most of the places I want to take her, I am saving going on tours for when she gets here. So much to see!

President Pieper suggested going to the Lev Tolstoy museum here in the city (where his winter home was), as well as to Yasnaya Polyana, where he lived. He said Yasnaya Polyana was his and his son's favorite place to visit. As he explained it, this was the place you could feel the most light in Russia--that Tolstoy really understood something about spirituality. I am really excited to go and check these places out!

Acia and I just went down and met the new American intern in the legal office—looks like we’ll have a new friend to go see everything with! This weekend we are going to go rollerblading, then next possibly to St. Petersburg or to Yasnaya Polyana. He (Eli) is only here for five weeks, so he’s excited to go see the sights!